After you've moved in

Once you've moved in, sort out any issues with utility providers as quickly as possible. It'll help you feel more at home if you have your usual facilities available.

Check that all of the fixtures within the property are working, including heating, hot water system, kitchen appliances, lighting and showers. If there is anything wrong, contact your solicitor immediately as you will have 5 working days to raise the issue with the sellers. Also make sure that anything you negotiated as part of the sale is actually there, like curtains and blinds.

Unfortunately, there is no law to make sellers leave a property clean and tidy. However, they do have to remove all their own possessions. If they don't do so, and you incur costs in doing this yourself, you can speak to your solicitor about claiming the costs back.

If you've bought a new build property, there may be minor defects in the construction, called "snags". Create a list of these and submit it in writing to the developers. You can do this as often as you like for the first two years. There are also professional companies who can create snagging lists for you. If you are having trouble getting repairs done, check the NHBC website for guidance.